FJ Cruisers of Northern California

Tire Help Please

Ok, I know I keep asking for help with tires, but everytime I do research, I get confused.

I've decided on the tire I want (Nitto Terra Grappler), but I don't know about the size or other specifications.

I originally wanted to stay with stock 265/70R17 (just for gas mileage driving between school and home, saving a bit of money on the tires, and being able to use my spare). Then some people are telling me to go up to 285/70R17 (since I have a 2.5" lift). But I was looking at Total Chaos and their 3.5" long tracel lift recommended a tire size of 285. So what's confusing me is why would a larger lift recommend that tire size and people are telling me I can fit the same size on a smaller lift (I don't really know how to explain how I'm confused).

Also, people are telling me for the load rating to go with D, but a tire guy told me I could stick with a passenger tire. I have passenger tires on now and they haven't failed me yet. The passenger Nitto's have a bit less of a weight rating, but higher speed rating than that of the E rated Nitto's (can't find D).

I'm looking on TireBuyer.com and this is the info I have obtained:

[LT=light truck tire, P=passenger tire, L&S=load & speed rating]

265/70R17

LT -- L&S: 121R (3,197 lbs / 106 mph) -- $179.19/tire (x4 = $716.76)

P -- L&S: 113S (2,536 lbs / 112 mph) -- $129.23/tire (x4 = $516.76)

285/70R17

LT -- L&S: 126R (3,750 lbs / 106 mph) -- $204.19/tire (x4 = $816.76)

P -- L&S: 117S (2,833 lbs / 112 mph) -- $180.59 (x4 = $722.36)

So, which is the best tire that I should get? Remember, I need to know if the 285 size will still fit (and keep decent wheel travel) and I'm looking to keep the price low.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Markie Sharkie on March 4, 2010 at 8:51pm

Ok so price isn't much of a problem anymore. My dad offered to put $540 towards tires and I would pay the difference. So now I'm thinking either BFG All Terrains or maybe even some KM2s? But I'm worried about the tread life of the KM2s (I drive between San Jose and Stockton a lot).

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Permalink Reply by DWH on March 4, 2010 at 9:10pm

BFG ATs have a good tread wear record. I have 36K miles on mine and at least 10 to 15K more to go.

I also saw recently some Pro-Comp Extreme ATs that looked really nice and were about the same price as the BFGs. They also have a 40K tread wear warranty. I am going check these out for my next set.

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Permalink Reply by Markie Sharkie on March 4, 2010 at 10:56pm

I was looking at those awhile back but forgot all about them just because 4wheelparts doesn't have my size listed on the website (but do carry them). I'm probably going to order the tires next week.

It's either going to be:

Pro Comp Xtreme All Terrains
Nitto Terra Grapplers
BFGoodrich All Terrains

I might lean towards the ProComps if they are the same price... they seem to have a more aggressive and deep tread. I'm really bouncing back and forth between tires everytime I find more information. I just want to get the right ones.

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Permalink Reply by Bz on March 5, 2010 at 12:54am

Mark! Just get these! Gonna be My next tires in 285/75/16

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Permalink Reply by pkelly72 on March 5, 2010 at 7:39am

I have procomp extreme mt's and I couldn't be happier. They have about 25,000 miles on them and look great. I'm sure I could get another 25 maybe even more and when I commute it's 80 miles/day.

I would buy them again.

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Permalink Reply by Sonof40 on March 5, 2010 at 7:51am

My plan as well.

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Permalink Reply by FJK on March 4, 2010 at 9:33pm

Even without a price factor, personally I'd go with Nitto. If you want an MT check the Trail Grappler, 295/70/17. That's just me, I've had great luck with Nitto for a long time. If I had a garage or something to store a 2nd set of tires those would be it.

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Permalink Reply by A.J.Cruiser on March 4, 2010 at 9:45pm

i have a garage u can store them in my garage...lol

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Permalink Reply by TOE 4X4 on March 5, 2010 at 5:50pm

You could store them on my truck.

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Permalink Reply by Markie Sharkie on March 5, 2010 at 10:18am

Ok, so I think I am officially going with the ProComp Xtreme All Terrains (I don't like the look of the regular All Terrains... not aggressive enough for me) in the 285/70R17 size with a D load rating. The total should be about $935. I'm going to probably order them later today once I get home from Stockton.